Perseverance

Myra was never an athletic child. Overcautious when she was younger, she needed us to hold her hand when coming down the slide.

We selected a school that focused on sports and extra curriculars in the hope that she would become more athletic. But her skates, rackets, basketball – all gathered dust.

When a Jamaican Coach came to town five years ago, we signed her up, for fitness. She enjoyed it and wakes up at 5:30 AM every other morning to go for training, now hoping to compete.

For two years Myra participated at all school events, with no results.

She is dedicated and hardworking – more than the others. She has gotten so much better from when she started. But not everyone is made to compete – Coach told us.

In 2023 she participated in multiple events – but the trend continued. Maybe coach was right? Maybe just hard work with no talent wasn’t enough after all.

In December it was time for the annual sports day. This time she proclaimed that she would focus on mid-distance events. We continued to be supportive - cautiously!

The week of the events, she came home every other day with a medal – 800 meters – GOLD, 1500 meters – GOLD, 3000 meters – GOLD, 200 meters – SILVER.

She was ecstatic – she had turned it around. I guess she is talented after all; her Big Talent – PERSEVERANCE!